6.2: Table Saw Basics
- Page ID
- 67191
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6.2 Table Saw Basics
The table saw is one of the most important machines in a woodworking shop.
It is used primarily for accurate straight cuts, especially:
- ripping;
- crosscutting;
- cutting sheet goods; and
- machining some types of joinery.
Because the blade projects through the table and the workpiece is moved through the cut, good reference surfaces and careful work control are essential.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this section, you should be able to:
- Identify the major parts of a table saw.
- Explain the difference between using the rip fence and a crosscut sled or miter gauge.
- Explain the purpose of the riving knife.
- Describe basic table-saw safety practices.
- Explain what kickback is and how proper technique helps prevent it.
Major Parts
Important parts include:
Table — Supports the workpiece.
Blade — Performs the cutting operation.
Rip Fence — Guides material during ripping.
Fence Lock — Secures the fence in position.
Riving Knife — A thin metal plate behind the blade that helps keep the kerf from closing and reduces the chance of kickback.
Throat Plate — Surrounds the blade opening in the table.
Blade-Height Adjustment — Raises and lowers the blade.
Blade-Tilt Adjustment — Changes the blade angle.
Crosscut Sled or Miter Gauge — Guides work across the blade during crosscutting.
Pushstick — Helps control narrow material while keeping the operator’s hands farther from the blade.
Figure: Table Saw
The SawStop System
The table saws in the WMT lab are SawStop cabinet saws.
The SawStop system monitors the blade and can activate a brake if the spinning blade contacts conductive material such as the human body.
The brake can stop and retract the blade extremely quickly.
This safety system can reduce the severity of some blade-contact injuries, but it does not make unsafe table-saw practices acceptable.
You must still:
- maintain proper hand position;
- use the correct guide;
- avoid kickback;
- use pushsticks when required; and
- follow all normal table-saw procedures.
Fence or Sled?
The two most common table-saw guides have different jobs.
Rip Fence — Used for ripping
The material moves parallel to the blade and is guided by the fence.
Crosscut Sled or Miter Gauge — Used for crosscutting
The workpiece is supported while moving across the blade.
Do not freehand a cut on the table saw.
Every normal cut must use an appropriate fence, sled, miter gauge, jig, or other instructor-approved guide.
Blade Height
For normal cutting, the blade should project only enough above the stock to clear the material.
A typical WMT setting is approximately:
1/4 to 3/8 inch above the stock
Do not raise the blade unnecessarily high.
Riving Knife
The riving knife travels behind the blade.
Its job is to help prevent the freshly cut kerf from closing around the back of the blade.
This helps reduce the risk of kickback.
The riving knife should remain installed unless your instructor has approved its removal for a specific special setup.
What Is Kickback?
Kickback occurs when the operator loses control of a workpiece and the saw throws the material with considerable force.
Kickback can happen when:
- stock binds against the blade;
- the kerf closes;
- material becomes trapped;
- the workpiece twists during the cut; or
- an uncontrolled piece contacts the back of the blade.
Good stock preparation, correct guides, proper body position, and control of the workpiece all help reduce this risk.
Pushsticks
A pushstick keeps your hand farther from the blade while allowing you to maintain control of the workpiece.
In the WMT lab, use a pushstick when ripping material 6 inches wide or narrower.
A pushstick is not a substitute for good technique. The workpiece must still be controlled against the table and fence.
Important WMT Practices
For normal use:
- You must receive a table-saw demonstration and checkout before use.
- Use the rip fence for ripping.
- Use a sled or miter gauge for crosscutting.
- Never make freehand cuts.
- Keep the riving knife in place unless an instructor approves its removal.
- Never reach or pass material over a spinning blade.
- Make adjustments only when the blade is completely stopped.
- Use a pushstick when required.
- Keep control of the material between the blade and fence.
- Do not back a workpiece away from a moving blade.
- Special setups require instructor approval.
If a cut does not feel correct, stop.
Do not try to solve a table-saw problem while the blade is spinning.
Check Yourself
- What is the main purpose of the rip fence?
- What guides a normal crosscut?
- What is the purpose of the riving knife?
- What is kickback?
- When is a pushstick required in the WMT lab?
- Why should you never make a freehand table-saw cut?